By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, Imran Rasheed Sheikh, the country president of Human Rights Pakistan for the United Nations, spoke to media representatives about the organization’s ongoing work in Pakistan, describing it as both “commendable and vital” for the country’s development.
Sheikh highlighted the UN’s wide-ranging initiatives, from poverty alleviation and the creation of employment opportunities to promoting health, basic education, and access to clean water, which he said have made a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. He emphasized that timely measures to address the impact of global environmental changes further demonstrate the UN’s commitment to sustainable development within Pakistan.
“The challenges we face are interconnected, from climate change to inequality, and it is essential that support reaches communities in practical ways,” Sheikh said, noting that initiatives targeting education, health services, and justice are central to the UN’s mission in the country.
Sheikh also stressed that the organization’s work extends beyond immediate relief, seeking to create long-term opportunities for vulnerable groups while strengthening institutional capacity at the local and national levels. He portrayed the UN as a partner in building resilience and empowering communities, insisting that education, employment, and access to basic services must remain top priorities to ensure meaningful progress.
Observers at the briefing said Sheikh’s remarks reflected a continued international focus on human rights and sustainable development in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts between the UN, government agencies, and civil society to address social and economic inequalities.
